Folks, let's be honest:
Florida State was never going to make that playoff in 2023 once Alabama defeated Georgia.
The committee simply opted for an out because their criteria made that possible.
We can argue it's fair or unfair, but let's be honest, the committee rankings were a damn joke anyway.
Go back and look at the week before the SECCG in 2023:
1) Georgia
2) Michigan
3) Washington
4) Florida State
5) Oregon
6) Ohio St
7) Texas
8) Alabama
9) Missouri
10) Penn State
Washington beat Oregon a second time, so the Ducks fall.
Alabama beat Georgia and had only one loss - to Texas.
Michigan smoked Iowa, 26-0.
FSU beat Louisville, 16-6.
"Their quarterback is hurt" - IN MY OPINION - was poppycock, nonsense, garbage plain and simple. The CFP simply wanted an SEC team in there and when they could add the NAME of ALABAMA to the playoff marquee, this was a done deal.
Don't get me wrong, I honestly do believe Alabama was a better team than Florida State in 2023. Our defeat of Georgia elevated Texas (the only team to beat us) and lowered UGA and FSU.
I can completely understand their shock, anger, and disappointment.
But Florida State won a national championship in 1993 they had no damned business playing for, too, so things even out over time. Nobody is second to me in their loathing of Notre Dame, but the fact is that that 1993 national title game SHOULD HAVE BEEN Nebraska vs West Virginia.
And why did FSU get in the Orange Bowl instead?
Because they had (wait for it) the name that would draw money.
You know.....the same reason 30 years later Alabama made the selection over them.
You can't be "for" these things only when it works in your favor.